At the National Television Awards (NTAs) on September 8, 2026, comedian Mo Gilligan made a joke that sparked discussion online. While presenting the Factual Entertainment award, Gilligan introduced himself with a double entendre, saying, "If you know me, I’m Mo Gilligan," and then adding, "And if you don’t know me, then I’m Andi Peters." The remark is believed to reference a recent controversy involving actress Miriam Margolyes. During an appearance on the British talk show This Morning, Margolyes used the phrase "high yella" to describe Andi Peters' skin tone. The term "high yella" is a historically offensive American expression used to describe Black people with lighter skin. The joke elicited a range of reactions from social media users. Some found it clever and appreciated the humor, with users like @Racingfan211 and @PJDavies1962 expressing approval. Others, however, felt it was inappropriate or failed to land. Among these critics was @AndyGibsonTV, who commented, "That joke fell flat as a pancake," suggesting it did not achieve its intended comedic effect. The context of the joke is rooted in a broader conversation about race and language in media. Margolyes' use of the term "high yella" had already drawn criticism for its historical connotations, which are considered racially insensitive. Gilligan’s reference to the term, even in a comedic context, has reignited discussions about the boundaries of humor and the responsibility of public figures in addressing sensitive topics. Public figures often walk a fine line when making jokes about controversial subjects, especially those tied to race and identity. While some viewers found Gilligan’s quip to be a clever play on words, others argued that it risked reinforcing outdated and offensive language. The mixed reception highlights the ongoing debate about what is considered acceptable in comedy and the importance of being mindful of the impact such jokes may have on different audiences.